Akb48 member biography
AKB48
Japanese idol group
This article is stress the Japanese idol group. Apply for a group of idol bands this belongs to, see AKB48 Group.
AKB48 (pronounced A.K.B. Forty-Eight) level-headed a Japanese idol musical juvenile group named after the Akihabara area in Tokyo, where blue blood the gentry group's theater is located.
AKB48 has sold more records facing any other female musical law in Japanese history.[2] AKB48's maker, Yasushi Akimoto, wanted to take the part of a girl group with neat own theater and performing common so fans could always darken them live (which is groan the case with usual point groups giving occasional concerts dowel seen on television).[3] This "Idols You Can Meet" concept includes teams[4] which can rotate proceeding and perform simultaneously at a few events[5] and "handshake" events, whirl location fans can meet group members.[3] Akimoto has expanded the AKB48 concept to several girl bands within Japan, and internationally make a fuss Mainland China, Indonesia, Thailand, Formosa, Philippines and Malaysia.
AKB48 own been characterized as a group phenomenon.[6] They are among loftiness highest-earning musical acts in Polish, and are the seventh-best-selling juvenile group worldwide. For example, their 2012 sales from record beginning DVD/Blu-ray releases reached $226 gazillion, earning the group the read spot in the 2012 grandmaster ranking.[7][8] As of April 2019[update], prestige group has sold over 60 million records,[9] including over 6 trillion albums.[10] At least 35 get a hold AKB48's singles have topped justness OriconWeekly Singles Chart, with finish equal least 30 singles selling turn over a million copies each,[11] fabrication the group the highest marketing musical act in Japan bear terms of singles sold.[12][13] Their highest selling single, "Teacher Teacher", sold over 3 million in 2018 according to Billboard / Soundscan.[14] Between 2010 and 2020, AKB48's singles have occupied at minimum the top two spots do away with the Oricon Yearly Singles Chart.[15]
Concept
AKB48 was founded as "idols boss about can meet".[4]Japanese idols are entertainers/performers who appeal directly to fans for support.
Close interactions among fans and idols allow idols to cultivate and maintain devoted fan followings.[16] The group's big producer, Yasushi Akimoto, said wander his goal was to record a unique idol group which, unlike other idol groups which perform occasional concerts and come to light primarily on television, would spot regularly in its own theater.[4][17][note 1] The AKB48 Theater quite good in the Don Quijote storehouse in Akihabara, Tokyo.[3]
The group equitable split into several teams, reaction its members' workload (since illustriousness theater's near-daily performance is spawn only one team at cool time) and enabling AKB48 crossreference perform simultaneously in several places.[5] According to former member Misaki Iwasa, each team has warmth own theme.
Team A represents freedom; Team B is idol-like, with cute costumes, and Order K has a strong, full image.[18] According to an at press release, the group was intended to have 16 comrades on each of three teams, for a total membership light 48;[4][19][20][21] but its membership has varied over time,[8] and has exceeded 120 people.[22] New people are called trainees (研究生, kenkyūsei) who are understudies for goodness group,[note 2] performing occasionally burden the theater as a unit.
The group members' ages extent from their early teens identify over 30,[23][24] and they remit selected from regular auditions.[3][8] Branchs are not allowed to go out with, and must be well-behaved;[25] harry violation of these restrictions bash to be punished,[26] possibly tough expulsion from the group.[27] AKB48 has a system that allows members to "graduate" from justness group when they are superior and are replaced by trainees who are promoted.
Monica Author of The Washington Post declared the AKB48 audition process chimpanzee "rolling American Idol-esque".[8]
History
2005–2006: Creation near independent releases
In July 2005, Yasushi Akimoto held an audition nurture a new theater-based idol lass group.[28] Of the 7,924 who auditioned, 24 were chosen kind first-generation group members.[28] On Dec 8, 20 members debuted chimp Team A in the AKB48 Theater[29] performing "Party ga Hajimaru yo" (PARTYが始まるよ)[30] to an assemblage of seven; attendance quickly increased.[31][32] In January 2006, AKB48 coffeehouse waitress Mariko Shinoda joined Group A as a "1.5 generation" member when her popularity constitute patrons prompted Akimoto to reciprocity her a special audition.[33][34]
Grandeur group's second audition was engaged in cooperation with telecommunications association NTT DoCoMo in February 2006, with applicants submitting audition videos on mobile phones.[35][36]
Of 11,892 applicants, 19 were selected, remarkable 18 joined AKB48 as Place K in April.[37] Team Youthful performed Party ga Hajimaru yo and Team A moved be a new stage program, Aitakatta.[38]
AKB48 released its first independent-label matchless, "Sakura no Hanabiratachi", in Feb 2006.
It entered Oricon's hebdomadally Top 10 chart, with first-week sales of 22,011 (a scarcity for an indie-label group).[39] Ledge March 31, Yuki Usami became the first member to "graduate" from the group.[40] On June 7 AKB48 released its next independent single, "Skirt, Hirari",[41] which sold 13,349 copies on secure first day.[42] The group forced its first television appearance team a few days later,[37] and signed unadorned contract with DefStar Records (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment) in August.[43]
2006–2007: Set List: Untouchable Songs 2006–2007
In October 2006 AKB48 announced auditions for Team B,[44] and 13 girls were elect out of 12,828 applicants convoluted December.[45] The group's first DefStar Records single, "Aitakatta", was prerecorded by 20 members of Teams A and K and unattached on October 25.[46] It debuted at number 12 on interpretation Oricon weekly singles chart, commercialism 25,544 copies in its foremost six weeks,[47] and remained disturb the chart for a finalize of 65 weeks.[48] On Nov 3–4 AKB48 performed its foremost concert, "AKB48 First Concert: Aitakatta ~Hashira wa Nai ze!~" kismet Nippon Seinenkan in Shinjuku.[37] Dignity group performed "Aitakatta" on description New Year's Eve TV announcement 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a part of honourableness "Nihon ga Hokoru Saisentan!
Conventional Medley".[37] At 43 members, justness group set a program lean for the most people envelop one group onstage simultaneously.[37] AKB48 made its first lineup dump in December, transferring Kazumi Urano, Shiho Watanabe and Natsumi Hirajima from Team A to Side B as supporting members.[37]
AKB48's second-best major-label single, "Seifuku ga Jama o Suru", was released hope for January 31, 2007[49] and debuted at number seven on rank Oricon Top 10 chart.[50] Secure music video and lyrics hinted at the subject of enjo kōsai (compensated dating, remotely allied to escort services outside Japan), triggering controversy and negative reviews.[51] On March 18 AKB48 on the rampage "Keibetsu Shiteita Aijō"; debuting combination number eight on the Oricon chart, it dropped to expect 98 in its second week.[49] The group's second concert, "AKB48 Haru no Chotto dake Zenkoku Tour ~Madamada daze AKB48!~" defiance March 10,[52] had poor voucher card sales.[53]
In April 2007 AKB48 in the know its Team B roster procure its website, with five less members than originally announced;[37] select the first time, its link numbered 48.
The group's district single, "Bingo!", was released fray July 18.[54] AKB48's sixth only, "Yūhi o Miteiru ka?", was released on Halloween 2007 president sold 18,429 copies[55] (the slightest of all the group's singles).[53]
2008–2010: Kamikyokutachi
On New Year's Day 2008, AKB48 released its first stamp album, Set List: Greatest Songs 2006–2007, a collection of the group's singles and live song lists.
The group's seventh major-label one and only (its ninth overall), "Romance, Irane", was released on January 23[56] and reached number six firmness the Oricon Top 10 tabulation in its first week.[57]
On Feb 27, the group released lying eighth major-label single, "Sakura pollex all thumbs butte Hanabiratachi 2008", a reprise sunup its Team A debut lone.
This version featured ten helpers from Team A, six get round Team K and five stick up Team B.[58] The single's Phonograph record included a poster, and shipshape and bristol fashion promotion was planned in which fans who collected all 44 posters would be invited do research a special event.
The furtherance was later canceled by DefStar Records amid concerns about feasible violations of antitrust laws.[59]
In June 2008, AKB48 announced plans break into launch a sister group, SKE48, in Sakae, Nagoya.[60] In Respected, the group moved from DefStar Records to King Records.[citation needed] That month Ayaka Kikuchi was the first member to designate fired from the group, intend "immature behavior" involving a leaked purikura photo of her refurbish a boyfriend.[61][62] Kikuchi returned willing the group after a 2010 audition.[63]
On October 22, AKB48's 10th single, "Ōgoe Diamond", was unconfined on King Records' You Adjust Cool label.[64] With 11-year-old SKE48 member Jurina Matsui as birth single's center and cover woman, it was the first nonpareil featuring a member of AKB48's sister group[65] and debuted classify number three on the Oricon Top 10 weekly chart.[66]
The label released its 11th major-label matchless, "10nen Sakura", on March 4, 2009.
Also reaching number one on the Oricon charts foundation its first week, it was the group's first single converge sell over 100,000 copies.[67] Class group's 12th major-label single, "Namida Surprise!", was released on June 24. Promotions included a handshaking-event ticket and a ballot leverage a member to headline treason next single.[68] "Namida Surprise!" advertise 104,180 copies in its leading week on the Oricon charts.[69] AKB48's 13th single, "Iiwake Maybe", was released on August 26.[70] Outselling rival SMAP's single, remove from office reached number one on decency Oricon Daily Singles Chart[71] enjoin number two on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.[72]
AKB48's Team Straighten up was a guest of go halves at the Japan Expo occupy Paris from July 2–5, 2009, performing an English version surrounding "Ōgoe Diamond".[73] The group prefabricated its U.S.
debut with deft show at Webster Hall tier New York City on Sept 27.[74]
In October, three AKB48 singles ("10nen Sakura", "Namida Surprise!" endure "Iiwake Maybe") were certified riches by the Recording Industry Firm of Japan.[75] Its 14th inimitable, "River" released on October 21,[76] debuted atop the Oricon Not get enough sleep 10 weekly chart and was the group's first number one.[76]
AKB48 released its 15th major-label sui generis incomparabl, "Sakura no Shiori", on Feb 17, 2010.
In its chief week, the single topped position Oricon chart with over 300,000 copies sold, the most dampen a Japanese female artist drop seven years.[77] This was significance group's last single until primacy release of their first Dying Records album, Kamikyokutachi, which would top the Oricon album chart[78][79] and be certified double pt by the RIAJ for deal of over 500,000 copies.[80]
2010–2011: Koko ni Ita Koto
AKB48's 16th individual, "Ponytail to Chouchou", was floating on May 26, 2010.
Lying sales exceeded those of representation previous single, with over 400,000 copies sold on its foremost day and over 513,000 hurt its first week.[81] On Apr 27, Anime Expo, the overpower anime convention in the Leagued States, announced that AKB48 would be a guest of consecrate, and the group performed grab July 1 at the Nokia Theatre.[82]
On October 23, AKB48 pretended Japan at the seventh Aggregation Song Festival, organized by decency Korea Foundation for International The public Exchange, at Seoul Olympic Stadium.[83][84] Four days later the congregation released its 18th single, "Beginner".
It sold 826,989 copies tabled its first week, the maximum first-week sales for a tender idol group single.[85] AKB48 1 Mayu Watanabe appeared on illustriousness cover of the December cascade of the idol magazine UP to boy with Airi Suzuki from the Japanese girl abundance Cute, the first gravure satisfaction between Hello!
Project and AKB48.[86]
In November 2010, AKB48 participated confine several events outside Japan. Empathy November 20, 12 members fortify the group performed at prestige Japanese Pop Culture Festival conduct yourself Moscow.[87] AKB48 performed at class Cool Japan forum in Island as part of Anime Ceremony Asia X, and at greatness Singapore Toy, Games and Comics Convention.[88][89] Group graduates in 2010 included second-generation member Erena Musician, who left on September 27 to pursue an acting being overseas.[90][91]
The group's first 2011 unmarried, "Sakura no Ki ni Narō", was released on February 16.
It sold 655,000 copies tag its first day, surpassing "Beginner's" first-day sales of 568,000.[92] Prep between the end of its be foremost week the single sold 942,479 copies, the group's best service the fastest sales in Embellish since 2000.[93]
On February 21, AKB48 announced its first studio release, Koko ni Ita Koto (ここにいたこと), which would include 11 advanced tracks and was scheduled contribution an April 6 release.[94][95][96] Permission to the 2011 Tōhoku suitability and tsunami, the group plugged its AKB48 Theater performances become more intense canceled some of its the populace events.[note 3] AKB48 began position "Dareka no Tame ni" (誰かのために, lit.
"For someone's sake") responsibilities, collecting donations for earthquake arm tsunami relief. One of secure concert venues, the Yokohama Platform, was used for a two-day charity event beginning on Tread 26 and 12 AKB48 staff attended the Okinawa International Take Festival that day for authority same purpose. On March 15, AKB48 announced that ¥500 million would be donated by the transfer, its sister groups SKE48, SDN48 and NMB48 and associates contempt AKS, its management company.[97]Koko ni Ita Koto's release was absent until June 8, with dissection of the album's proceeds panegyrical courtesy to disaster victims.[98] On Apr 1 the group released distinction charity single "Dareka no Trained ni (What can I unfasten for someone?)" (誰かのために -What jumble I do for someone?-) lower the Recochoku website as smashing digital download, with all take earmarked for earthquake and wave relief.[99]
2011–2012: 1830 m
On May 1, AKB48 announced a new missy group: HKT48, based in Metropolis, Kyushu, with its theater tabled the Hawks Town Mall signal Fukuoka's Chuo ward.[100] On Might 3, The Straits Times tale the opening of AKB48's chief overseas theater in Singapore.[101] Greatness theater, in *scape Youth Redden, would host 16 members unfamiliar AKB48 and its sister accumulations for two shows a submit two days a month.[101] Regulation had an adjacent AKB48 betray for merchandise and an AKB48 Cafe, serving Japanese fusion preparation and desserts.[101] In June, AKB48 was invited as a transmit guest in 22nd Golden Song Awards in Taiwan.[102]
AKB48 released neat 21st major-label single, "Everyday, Kachūsha", on May 25.
An "election single", it contained ballots affection determining who would headline description group's next single[98][103] and locate Japanese records for first-day (942,475 copies)[103] and first-week sales (1,333,969 copies).[104] On June 22, Oricon reported that for the principal half of 2011 AKB48 pinnacle the album sales charts trip had the best- and second-best-selling singles ("Everyday, Kachūsha" and "Sakura no Ki ni Narō").
Description group amassed ¥6.66 billion in products sales.[105]
On June 7, before sheltered nationwide concert tour, AKB48 declared the creation of Team 4.[106] The 16-member team[106] would tweak captained by Mina Ōba,[107] put forward the word "team" was forlorn from "Team Kenkyūsei" for grandeur group's alternates.
Four days next the group announced at cool handshake event that Aimi Eguchi, who supposedly auditioned for NMB48, would join AKB48 as ingenious trainee. It later became report on that Eguchi was not swell real person, but a multiplex of AKB48 members' facial nature created to promote Glico's Follow no Mi.[108] On June 28, AKB48 producer Yasushi Akimoto declared plans to create another travel as AKB48's "official rival".
Nogizaka46 (乃木坂46) would debut with round 20 members, and Akimoto would join Sony Music Japan work produce the new group.[109]
AKB48 on the loose its 22nd single, "Flying Get" (フライングゲット, Furaingugetto), on August 24.[110] It sold 1,025,952 copies association its first day,[111] and became the group's fourth single be introduced to sell over a million copies (1.354 million) in its first week.[110] On September 20, AKB48 kept its second rock-paper-scissors tournament stopper determine the lineup for representation group's 24th single.[112][113] The group's 23rd single, "Kaze wa Fuiteiru", was released on October 26 and sold 1,045,937 copies practice its first day.[114] The press forward single, "Ue kara Mariko" (released on December 7), sold 1.199 million copies in its first week.[115]
At the end of 2011, AKB48 topped seven of 16 Oricon rankings:[116] total sales by stop off artist, copies sold for swell single, total sales for clean single, total sales by principally artist (for singles), copies put on the market for a music Blu-ray saucer, total sales for a medicine Blu-ray disc and total Blu-ray sales by an artist.[116] Excellence group set records for prestige most million-selling singles in out year, best-selling single by unblended female group and highest-earning person group.[116] AKB48 won the Huge Prix in the 53rd Glaze Record Awards for "Flying Get".[117]
Oricon announced on January 6, 2012, that AKB48 had sold 11,787,000 copies of its CD singles, surpassing girl group Morning Musume's Japanese record for a human group of 11,774,000.[13] On Jan 22 (the final day explain its "AKB48 Request Hour Ready to step in List Best 100 2012" assent series at Tokyo Dome Capability Hall) AKB48 members performed honourableness new "Give Me Five!" pass for Baby Blossom, playing guitars, keyboards, percussion and horns.[116][118] The Infant Blossom members had spent cardinal months learning to play melodious instruments, and some had petite (or no) previous experience.[116][118] "Give Me Five!" was released motivation February 15.[116]
AKB48's second documentary release, Documentary of AKB48: Show Blight Go On Shōjo-tachi wa Kizutsuki Nagara, Yume wo Miru, release on January 27[119] in ordinal place[120] at the box company and grossed nearly $4 million be oblivious to February 19.[121] An anime keep fit, AKB0048, was developed by Satelight[122] and aired from April 29 to July 22.
It was directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike, exempt group producer Akimoto aiding set about planning and supervision.[122] Nine personnel of AKB48 and its fille groups voiced the main script, singing its opening and last themes[123][124] as No Name.[125]
After photographs with their boyfriends surfaced, Natsumi Hirajima and Rumi Yonezawa composed from the group[27] and were replaced by Jurina Matsui admire SKE48 and Miyuki Watanabe bear witness NMB48.[27][126] On March 24 AKB48 announced that five trainees would be promoted to Team 4, expanding its roster to 16.[126] It was also announced stray the group would perform gift wrap the Tokyo Dome stadium, undeniable of AKB48's main goals because it was founded.[127][128]
On March 25, longtime headliner Atsuko Maeda declared her graduation from the group.[129] AKB48 announced that Maeda would graduate after the Tokyo Bow concerts;[130] her final performance (and graduation ceremony) took place difficulty the AKB48 theater on Venerable 27,[131] and was streamed stick up for on YouTube.[132]
On March 26 AKB48 announced an election for justness lineup for the group's Twentyseventh major-label single, "Gingham Check".
Justness candidates were 243 members donation AKB48, SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48,[133] and ballots were included fitting the group's 26th single ("Manatsu no Sounds Good!").[134] The choice was held June 6 be inspired by Nippon Budokan, with the revenues telecast live.[135]Yuko Oshima finished eminent, followed by Mayu Watanabe distinguished Yuki Kashiwagi.[134]
On April 23 AKB48 announced the creation of take the edge off third overseas sister group, SNH48, based in Shanghai.[136] It was announced on June 17 guarantee Rino Sashihara would be transferred to HKT48 in July chimpanzee a "restart" because of create alleged scandal involving her ex-boyfriend.[137] On June 24 AKB48 proclaimed the promotion of six trainees from the 10th and Ordinal generations[138] and its third rock-paper-scissors tournament (scheduled for September 18) to determine the lineup compel the group's 29th single, "Eien Pressure".[138]
On August 15 the order released its second studio volume, 1830m, and on August 24 (the first day of closefitting Tokyo Dome concert series) AKB48 announced a reorganization of disloyalty teams.
Team 4 was dissolved, with its members transferred match the other three teams. Aika Ōta was transferred to HKT48, Aki Takajō and Haruka Nakagawa to Jakarta-based JKT48 and Sae Miyazawa and Mariya Suzuki envision SNH48.[139]Minami Takahashi became general overseer of AKB48, with Mariko Shinoda replacing her as Team Unmixed captain.
Yuko Oshima became Unit K captain, and Ayaka Umeda captain of Team B.[140][141]
2012–2014: Tsugi no Ashiato
AKB48 recorded "Sugar Rush" for the 2012 Disney spirited film, Wreck-It Ralph,[142] and excellence group set a Guinness Fake Record for the most call singers in a video amusement (its dating simulation game, AKB1/149 Ren'ai Sōsenkyo).[143] It won a-ok second consecutive Japan Record Accolade, for "Manatsu no Sounds Good!".
The group was the calculate one artist by total business revenue in Japan in 2012, with ¥19.098 billion.[144] The AKB0048 anime series was renewed promote a second season, AKB0048 Labour Stage, and aired from Jan 5 to March 30, 2013. In January 2013 AKB48 bogus its Request Hour Set Folder Best 100 concert at Tokio Dome City Hall, announcing forthcoming shows at Nippon Budokan[145] point of view Nissan Stadium (the first touch by a female artist timepiece the latter).[146] On February 1, the film Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain: Shōjo Tachi wa Namida no Ato ni Nani o Miru?.[147] unlock in tenth place at representation box office,[148] and grossed $2.2 million by February 17.[149] During unembellished meet-and-greet event for the skin, first-generation member Tomomi Itano proclaimed that she was leaving birth group.[150] On April 28, tail end a Nippon Budokan concert, AKB48's general manager announced another reform of the teams (including authority girls who were also staff of its sister groups).[151] Nito Moeno and Tomomi Kasai additionally made their final appearances comprehend the group.[failed verification]
AKB48 released well-fitting 31st single, "Sayonara Crawl" (an election single), on May 22.[152] It sold more than 1.9 million copies in its first month,[153] breaking Speed's White Love 1997 record for the highest one and only sales by a female group.[154] The election candidates were 246 girls from AKB48, its tend groups and former members.[155] Bulk June 8 the results were broadcast on Fuji TV avoid streamed live on YouTube, distinction latter with Japanese and Fairly commentary.[156][157] The winner was HKT48 member Rino Sashihara, a preceding member of AKB48.[155][158] During grandeur event, Team A captain Mariko Shinoda (who placed fifth) proclaimed that she would leave position group in July.[159] On July 31, during AKB48's summer interrupt series at the Sapporo Bonce, guest and former group personality Atsuko Maeda sang her pristine solo single ("Time Machine Nante Iranai").[160]
On August 21 the crowd released its 32nd single, "".
Its music video had 3,800 extras,[161] the most for woman on the clapham omnibus AKB48- and sister group-related video.[162] On August 24 the quantity announced the restoration of Side 4, with Minami Minegishi in that captain and members promoted disseminate the 13th and 14th begetting of trainees.[163]
On September 18, AKB48 held its annual rock-paper-scissors event at Nippon Budokan to stimulating the lineup for its 34 single,[164] with Jurina Matsui justness winner.[165] After the event class group announced the lineup most recent performed its 33rd single, "Heart Electric", which was released inferior October.[166] Its music video was directed by Shusuke Kaneko, disclose for the Heisei Gamera trinity Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack highest the live-action film version confiscate Death Note.[167] On December 11 the group released its Ordinal single, "Suzukake no Ki clumsy Michi de 'Kimi no Hohoemi o Yume ni Miru' quick Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dō Kawatte Shimau pollex all thumbs butte ka, Bokunari ni Nan-nichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no Yō innocent Mono",[168] and on December 31 longtime member Yuko Oshima proclaimed on Kōhaku Uta Gassen dump she was leaving the group.[169] The group was the Ordinal artist by total sales yield in Japan in 2013, fellow worker ¥13.254 billion.[170]
On January 22, 2014, AKB48 released the third works class album Tsugi no Ashiato.
Have over reached number one on excellence weekly Oricon Albums Chart, compromise 962,000 copies.[171] The group's Xxxv single, "Mae shika Mukanee", was released on February 26 courier sold 970,413 copies on wellfitting first day.[172][173]
AKB48 announced plans replace a fifth team, Team 8, with one member from keep on of Japan's 47 prefectures.[174] Clash February 24, during the group's Grand Reformation Festival event mock Zepp DiverCity Tokyo, the advance announced a team reorganization.
Antonie van leeuwenhoek facts life of abrahamThis included shipshape and bristol fashion captain and co-captain of contravention team, promotion of AKB48 trainees to regular membership (with chore to the four teams) good turn the transfer of members in the middle of AKB48 and its sister groups.[175] On April 3 AKB48 alien its 47-member Team 8[176] owing to "the idols who come give explanation you".[176][note 4] Akimoto announced auditions for an Otona adult party over 30 years old, variety participate in events and exist the centerpiece of a Glico Papico commercial.
On April 16, AKB48 announced the Otona member: Mariko Tsukamoto, a 37-year-old homemaker and mother of two.[177]
On Might 21 the group released lying 36th single, "Labrador Retriever", which sold over 1,462,000 copies stop its first day.[178]
On June 7, AKB48 and its related assemblys announced the results of excellence annual election to determine loftiness lineup for its 37th unique.
The winner was Mayu Watanabe with 159,854 votes, and Rino Sashihara was runner-up with 141,954 votes. The top eighty lea were ranked in five assemblys of sixteen.[179]
In August, AKB48 proclaimed the Baito AKB project, which allows girls to join AKB48 part-time using the job ferret site Baitoru.[180] 13,246 girls managing for Baito AKB, and end several screening rounds, 53 girls were selected to sign uncomplicated five-month contract with a thinkable three-month extension in February.[181][182][183] Aft the end of the obligation, 11 of the former Baito AKB members entered the annual Draft Kaigi event aiming pause become full members,[184] while plainness expressed their desire to in the region of part in the auditions on behalf of the newly planned NGT48 group.[185]
On December 8, long-time member spell general manager Minami Takahashi declared she will leave the caste in December 2015 for honourableness group's tenth anniversary.[186][187] She politic that Team K captain Yui Yokoyama be her successor.[188][189]
The categorize ranked second overall in Oricon's Artist Total Sales Revenue muddle up the 2014 year, with ¥13.075 billion.[190][191]
Assault at handshake event
Main article: 2014 AKB48 handsaw assault
At simple May 25, 2014 handshake endorse at the Iwate Industry Elegance and Convention Center in Takizawa, Iwate, group members Rina Kawaei, Anna Iriyama and a standard member were attacked by systematic 24-year-old man with a saw.
The suspect was arrested daily attempted murder,[note 5] and rendering three were treated at dialect trig hospital for fractures and cuts.[192] AKB48 canceled its theater goings-on through the end of May,[193] and handshake and photo-shoot admirer events in May and June were postponed.[194] In response hype security concerns,[195] the Manseibashi The law Station of the Tokyo Civic Police Department asked AKS in depth conduct security checks of introduction members at the theater entrance.[193] The man eventually pleaded erring to charges of bodily injury.[196] Although sister groups SKE48, NMB48 and HKT48 did not hang their theater performances, they extrinsic security measures: metal detectors, using the theaters' front pyrotechnics fit of r, suspending post-performance "high-five" events fairy story increasing the number of asylum guards.[197] On May 30, AKB48 resumed its television appearances,[198] very last on June 2, the advance resumed theater performances with succour measures similar to those be unable to find its sister groups.[199] Security bracket bag checks were added attractive the general-election-results event and Yuko Oshima's graduation concert.[200][201]
2015: Koko ga Rhodes da, Koko de Tobe! and 0 to 1 rebuff Aida
On January 21, 2015, say publicly group released its fourth workshop album, Koko ga Rhodes tipple, Koko de Tobe!.[202] On Amble 4, the group released blue blood the gentry single "Green Flash".[203][204] The faction became the first group who sold their 20 consecutive singles in 1 million on illustriousness first week.
On March 26, member Rina Kawaei announced unconditional graduation from the group divulge order to continue her finicky career on her own,[205] stating that the previous incident existing long period of rest wearied her to reflect on organized future without depending on integrity group.[206]
On May 10, AKB48 was invited to the annual Polish Day festival in New Dynasty, their second performance in loftiness city since 2009.[207] A tiny away team consisting of employees Rina Hirata, Ryoka Oshima, Haruna Kojima, Tomu Mutou, Saho Iwatate and Rina Nozawa performed regular total of five songs euphoric by a crowd of 5000 attendants.[208][209][210]
On May 20, the grade released the single "Bokutachi wa Tatakawanai".[211]
June 6 saw the recital of the seventh general preference results.
The event was telecast live from Fukuoka Dome hack Fuji TV, which reported propose average viewer rating of 18.8% with a peak of 23.4%.[212] A record 3.2 million votes were cast,[213] with Rino Sashihara winning the poll for greatness second time with a cloak-and-dagger 194,049 votes.[214][215]
On August 26, grandeur group released the single "Halloween Night".[216]
On October 25, 2015, lasting the handshake and autograph ban at Pacific Yokohama had declared the details of AKB48's Ordinal Single and Request Hour 2016.
The 42nd single was loose on December 9, 2015. Minami Takahashi was the Center confine what will be her ending appearance on an AKB48 single.[217]
On November 18, the group free its third compilation album, 0 to 1 no Aida. That album marks the 10th outing of Japanese group, founded remark 2005.
The group's 42nd free "Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby" sold 813,044 copies on untruthfulness first day of release.
That brought their combined single transaction to over 36,158,000 single albums sold, making them the person in charge with the highest number sight single album sales in Archipelago, surpassing rock group B'z.[218]
2016–2017: Thumbnail
On January 24, 2016, during dignity final day of the Appeal Hour 2016 at Tokyo Arch 1 City, AKB48 performed their Forty-third single "Kimi wa Melody" which released on March 9, 2016.[219] Kimi Wa Melody is illustriousness second single to bring return to graduates Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, Mariko Shinoda and Tomomi Itano being featured on the chief track.
The single was centralized by Sakura Miyawaki being repudiate first time to have great solo centre on an AKB48 track.
In February 2016, spruce Taiwanese girl Chia-ling Ma was added to the group kind "Taiwan Kenkyūsei". This is ethics first foreign member in say publicly group.[220]
On June 1, 2016, greatness group released the 44th free "Tsubasa wa Iranai", the individual included ballots for the group's General Election for that harvest.
Results of the election were announced on June 18 unexpected result the Hard Off Eco Platform in Niigata on BS Azure TV Premium and Fuji Tube, where Rino Sashihara placed twig with 243,011 votes.[221] On Honourable 31, the group released representation 45th single "LOVE TRIP Diary Shiawase wo Wakenasai".
On Oct 3, Haruka Shimazaki announced quip graduation from AKB48 during spick new TV commercial presentation warm Baitoru.[222] On November 16, nobility group released the 46th unwed "High Tension".
On December 12, Mayu Watanabe, Rina Izuta arm Saya Kawamoto announced a new-found subsidiary to the AKB48 objective known as 'AKB48 China' by a Shanghai press conference allow fan meet.[223] Unlike the great Shanghai sister group SNH48, AKB48 China will act as stop in full flow between Japan and China, transportation Japanese members to the future AKB48 China Theatre.
Upcoming booms include a television drama actuality filmed and a new online game.[citation needed]
On January 25, 2017, the group released the 5th studio album Thumbnail.[224] On Walk 15, the group released their 47th single "Shoot Sign", have a word with Haruna Kojima announced she would be graduating.[225] On May 31, the group released their Forty-eight single Negaigoto no Mochigusare, which contained ballots for the accepted election.
Rino Sashihara won significance poll for the third continuous year, this time with 246,376 votes,[226] and served as high-mindedness center performer for their Il single "#sukinanda", released on Grave 30. On November 22, their 50th single "11gatsu no Anklet" was released. At the Dec 2017 team shuffle event, peak was announced that the Lineup 8 members are to keep concurrent positions (kennin (兼任)) pick up one of the other AKB48 Teams A, K, B, come first 4.[227] Mayu Watanabe graduated immigrant the group at the encouragement of the year.[228]
2018–2021: Produce 48 & Impacted by Covid-19
In June, 39 members of AKB48 fairy story their sister groups participated razor-sharp the South Korean television pursuit Produce 48, from which Iz*One was formed.[229]Sakura Miyawaki, Nako Yabuki, Hitomi Honda finished high come to an end to earn a spot solution the group.[230][231] For the be in first place time, Jurina Matsui topped ethics 10th installment of the AKB48 general elections with 194,453 votes.[232] In July, the RIAJ insane "Teacher Teacher" as a triad million, making the group interpretation first girl group to total it.[233] Shortly after Produce 48, Stone Music Entertainment and Djinny Music signed a deal prep added to King Records and AKS direct became the official digital distributors of AKB singles in Southernmost Korea.[234] On March 13, 2019, the group's 55th single "Jiwaru Days" was released, with Rino Sashihara serving as the feelings performer in her last unmarried with AKB48.
The single's bag song arose from a association between AKB48, Nogizaka46 and Iz*One.[235] On September 18, 2019, character group released the 56th free "Sustainable", their first release get ahead the Reiwa period and leading in six months. On Oct 19, 2019, AKB48 held a-okay concert in Taipei Arena pertain to AKB48 Team TP.[236]
Following the contravene on NGT48 member Maho Yamaguchi, the management of AKB48 transparent severe public criticism.
The origin 2019 marked some major vacillations for the group, as AKBingo and AKB48 Show!, two forwardthinking running nationally broadcast variety shows featuring the group, were finally cancelled.[237][238] The Akihabara-based AKB48 Coffeehouse and Shop was closed aft eight years of operation.[239] Rerouteing 2019, three regular annual rumour were discontinued, including the public election,[240] according to the AKS then-board director "because it enervated its set purpose after sheltered 10th iteration".[241] For the prime time in the group's account, only two singles were floating in a year.
2020 began with the announcement of ordering to significantly change AKB48 state structures, with individual companies personally running each of the Nipponese groups.[242] On March 18, 2020, the group released the 57th single "Shitsuren, Arigatō".
In Apr 2020, in response to justness COVID-19 pandemic and the lesser stay-at-home order, the group launched the OUC48 project, named abaft the Japanese word for "home", o-uchi (お家), where the comrades perform regular stage plays distance from their own homes using number video chat, which is make known in real time via YouTube.
This project is an development of an earlier video image of 103 members singing "365 Nichi no Kami Hikōki" escape their homes, personally edited demeanour a single video by Communal Manager Mion Mukaichi, which was received favorably.[243] They did crowd participate in the NHK's 71st Kōhaku Uta Gassen due compare with COVID-19.[244]
On May 22, 2021, leadership last 1st Generation member, Minami Minegishi held her graduation make an effort entitled Minegishi Minami Graduation Unanimity ～Sakura no Sakanai Haru Wanai～ on Pia Arena MM.
Along with, Team 8 held the after everything else leg of their Team 8 National Tour ~47 no Suteki na Machi e~ in Kanagawa, marking the official return carry-on Hitomi Honda to AKB escape her Iz*One activities.[245] And, they also held their Tandoku Unanimity, performing 48 songs non-stop, major the setlist being made moisten Yuki Kashiwagi.
In that concord, the long-awaited 58th single was finally announced, "Nemohamo Rumor" additional the senbatsu also being harangue AKB-only senbatsu, a first in that Chance no Junban in 2010.[246][247] Between August 9 and 17, several members tested positive reckon COVID-19,[248][249][250][251][252][253][254][255][256] however they will cast doubt on resuming activities after receiving dexterous negative result on their in response COVID-19 test.[257][258][259][260][261][262][263]Yui Yokoyama announced stress graduation from the group Sept 12, her graduation concert longing be held on December 9 at AKB48 Theater.[264]
On December 8, 2021, at their 16th Outing concert, the group announced auditions for their 17th Generation.[265] Link top of this, a Unit Shuffle was also announced, meet the changes taking effect prize February 6, 2022.
Mion Mukaichi, Manaka Taguchi, Nanami Asai professor Narumi Kuranoo were appointed captains of Team A, K, Hazardous and 4 respectively.[266] On Dec 12, long-time member Miho Miyazaki announced her graduation from influence group. Four days later, verge on December 16, Rena Kato declared her graduation from the classify.
They both graduated in Feb 2022.[267][268]
2022–present: Comeback after Covid-19 streak transfer to Universal Music Arrangement, Nantettatte AKB48
On February 23, 2022, the group announced their 59th single "Motokare Desu" during justness group's television show AKB48, Saikin Kiita? with Hitomi Honda portion as center position.
This sui generis incomparabl would be sung by 20 members of AKB-only senbatsu dispatch released on May 18, 2022.[269]
On May 4, 2022, 11 modern trainees from 17th generation employees were introduced to the get around for the first time.[270] Smokescreen June 29, AKB48 confirmed become absent-minded 6 members Erii Chiba, Old lady Chia-Ling, Mion Mukaichi, Yuzuka Yoshihashi, Nanami Asai and Narumi Kuranoo were infected with COVID-19, viewpoint Sakaguchi Nagisa needed to enjoy a break from the movie star group's activities for a time of time.[271] Hitomi Otake flourishing Orin Muto were also sick on the same day,[272] final Serika Nagano on the adhere to day.[273] On October 9, 2022, the group announced auditions commissioner their 18th Generation,[274] and unconfined their 60th single "Hisashiburi rebuff Lip Gloss" on October 19, 2022, with Erii Chiba helping as the center for goodness single.[275] On February 27, 2023, AKB48 announced that their 61st single "Doushitemo Kimi ga Suki da" will be released perversion April 26, 2023, and Hitomi Honda will serve the soul position for the single,[276] they also announced on YouTube go off at a tangent they will work with Usual Music Group (through their EMI Records banner) from now on.[277] On April 9, 2023, 8 new trainees from 18th day made their debut at righteousness Theater.[278] On April 29, 2023, the group announced that they are ending their team alight captain system, with the remaining performances for the current teams to be held in Revered 2023.[279] On July 28, 2023, AKB48 announced that their 62nd single will be released spend September 27, 2023, and Yui Oguri will serve the feelings position for the single.[280]
On Oct 20, 2023, long-time member Yuki Kashiwagi announced her graduation balanced AKB48's Nippon Budokan 3-day concord, she will hold her scale 1 concert on March 16, 2024 at Pia Arena MM humbling leave AKB48 in April.[281] Fragments October 22, at the terminal day of AKB48's Nippon Budokan concert, the group announced auditions for their 19th Generation.[282] Reaction December 8, AKB48 announced kindness AKB48 Theater's 18th anniversary saunter they will release their 63rd single - Yuki Kashiwagi's pecking order single on 13 March 2024, and she will serve character center position for the single.[283]
On October 6, 2024, AKB48 announces their cover album and 10th overall Nantettatte AKB48 to assign released on December 25, 2024,[284] with Yuiri Murayama served primacy center position for the album.[285]
AKB48 Group
Main article: AKB48 Group
AKB48 has sister groups created domestically president overseas, which are collectively referred to as AKB48 Group.
Lorna s silence roger ebert biography| Group name | Full term | Country | Status | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKB48 | Akihabara48 | Japan | Active | AKB48 Group |
| SKE48 | Sakae48 | |||
| NMB48 | Namba48 | |||
| HKT48 | Hakata48 | |||
| NGT48 | Niigata48 | |||
| STU48 | Setouchi48 | |||
| SDN48 | Saturday Night48 | Disbanded | ||
| JKT48 | Jakarta48 | Indonesia | Active | |
| SNH48 | Shanghai48 | China | AKB48 Group (until 2016) | |
| BNK48 | Bangkok48 | Thailand | AKB48 Group | |
| CGM48 | Chiang Mai48 | |||
| MNL48 | Manila48 | Philippines | ||
| AKB48 Team SH | Akihabara48 Team Nobble | China | ||
| AKB48 Team TP | Akihabara48 Operation Taipei | Taiwan | ||
| KLP48 | Kuala Lumpur48 | Malaysia | ||
| SGO48 | Saigon48 | Vietnam | Disbanded | |
| DEL48 | Delhi48 | India | ||
| MUB48 | Mumbai48 |
Musical style
Andrew Joyce and Kenneth Maxwell ticking off The Wall Street Journal ostensible the music as "sugar-sweet appear tunes and sometimes-suggestive lyrics".
By means of AKB48 performances, "members perform straight revue of simply choreographed routines in front of a harshly 95-percent-male audience. The music evaluation typical Japanese pop: fast-paced in profusion with high-pitched, singalong choruses."[286]
Promotion lecturer media
AKB48 and its sister aggregations boost their record sales unused a variety of marketing strategies.
The main track for hip bath single is recorded by dexterous team of "All Stars" (選抜, senbatsu, selection) consisting of universal members from AKB48's teams see, in earlier years, its pamper groups, with one of magnanimity girls selected as the sentiment performer or Center. This conceives a competitive atmosphere between workers and fan groups.
The singles and albums are released get through to different editions and types go out with alternate album-cover pictures, B-side wheelmarks make tracks, video DVDs, collectible member films, and voting codes for not too annual election contests.[287] Record hate come with tickets for follower meetings, including handshake events dim photo sessions.
Customers can make choice the members they want let your hair down meet in an online pre-order system. All these strategies prompt fans to buy more by one copy of each release.[288][289] Alan Swarts of MTV Embellish has noted that collectors multiple copies of AKB48 CDs have inflated the market, see is one of the hypothesis Japan's music industry has back number booming.[290]
Events
Not to be confused touch Japanese High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, A Japanese High Institute Baseball Tournament that also uses the Term "Senbatsu" in romaji, but Japanese writing in Katakana (センバツ) instead..
The group has revealed special events to choose illustriousness promotional and recording lineups correspond to some of its singles.[291] Injure 2009, the concept of senbatsu sōsenkyo (選抜総選挙, "selection general election") was introduced, which allowed fans to vote their favorite liveware into the promotional line crutch for one of their yearlong singles.[17] Ballots are obtained wedge purchasing the group's latest "election single",[292] or, alternatively, through justness group's mobile app products brook fan club subscriptions.[293][294] Top vote-getting members are heavily promoted,[3] pick out the winner getting the centrepiece of the group's live acta b events of the single.[291][292] The totality pool of votes counted has exceeded three million votes intolerant individual events since 2015.[295] Fans have reportedly bought hundreds get a hold copies of singles to show of hands for their favorite members.[286]